Farm Animals

Farmed Deer Antler Velvet Harvesting

Velvet antler harvesting from farmed deer involves cutting growing antlers, which are rich in blood vessels and nerve supply.

Key Facts

Velvet antler is primarily exported to Asian medicine markets
Antlers in velvet have an active blood supply and nerve innervation
Harvesting is typically done under local anesthesia in some countries
Deer show stress behaviors during mustering and restraint for harvest

Welfare Considerations

Velvet harvesting causes pain and stress. Even with anesthesia, the mustering, restraint, and recovery process causes significant fear and distress. Deer are prey animals with strong flight responses that make handling inherently stressful.

What You Can Do

Avoid velvet antler supplements and traditional medicine products containing them
Support research into pain and stress during velvet harvesting
Advocate for evidence-based welfare standards in deer farming
Raise awareness about deer farming practices